That makes the Bama Gang a dominant force on the show, claiming about one-third of the spots in the top 10. But it's actually not a first. Four other states have similar bragging rights, placing three singers in the top 10 during a single season.

Here's the breakdown, 2002-present:

In 2003, during Season 2, Tennessee had three singers in the top 10: Kimberley Locke, Trenyce and Corey Clark. Birmingham's Ruben Studdard won that year, besting runner-up Clay Aiken of North Carolina.

In 2005, during Season 4, Florida had a trio of contestants in the top 10: Vonzell Solomon, Nadia Turner and Jessica Sierra. Bo Bice, a Huntsville resident, was runner-up, losing to Carrie Underwood of Oklahoma.

In 2006, during Season 5, North Carolina claimed three singers in the top 10: Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler and Bucky Covington. Taylor Hicks, a Hoover native, took the title that year.

In 2011, during Season 10, California had three competitors in the top 10: James Durbin, Jacob Lusk and Thia Megia. Actually, they were in the top 11; "Idol" cut two singers that week and trimmed the list to a top 9. Paul McDonald of Huntsville took eighth place that year.

Over the course of 13 seasons, Alabama has placed eight singers in the "Idol" top 10: three this year, along with Studdard, Diana DeGarmo, Bice, Hicks and McDonald. (See the photo gallery above for details.) The state's had two winners and two runners-up to date. The fates of the current trio -- Meuse, Roberts and Harris -- have yet to be decided.

More numbers to consider: California holds the record for the greatest number of singers in the "Idol" top 10, with 18 contestants on the rolls. But the state's never had a winner.

Two states, Alabama and North Carolina, each have produced two "Idol" winners. Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Georgia and South Carolina can claim one winner apiece.

California holds the record for runners-up, with three on the books. Alabama's had two. Pennsylvania, Washington, Utah, Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas have produced one runner-up apiece.